The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now investigating what was initially reported as mysterious death of artist Bree Jonson whose body was found inside a hotel of a La Union resort over the weekend.
Jonson's death was initially reported by her boyfriend, Julian Ongpin, as a case of suicide but local investigators being supervised by Brig. Gen, Emmanuel Peralta are pushing for the conduct of autopsy to determine the real cause of the death since the victim's family was asking them what really happened.
PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said the body of Jonson was found at the Floatsam Jetsom Resort in San Juan, La union on Saturday, September 18.
When local investigators searched the room, some 12.6 grams of cocaine were found. Ongpin, based on the local police report, tested positive during the drug test.
“Nasampahan na ng kaukulang kasong may kinalaman sa iligal na droga ang kasintahan ni Bree Jonson na si Julian Ongpin matapos itong mag-positibo sa drug test at makuhanan ng cocaine sa kanilang inuupahang kuwarto sa isang resort sa La Union. (A case relating to illegal drugs were already filed against the friend of Jonson after cocaine was found and he tested positive during the drug test)," said Eleazar.
But Provincial Prosecutor's Office released Ongpin, citing that the case has to be further investigated.
Right now, Eleazar said they are now focused on finding out the cause of death of Jonson.
“Hinihintay lamang ng inyong PNP ang pagsasagawa at ang resulta ng autopsy sa mga labi ni Binibining Jonson upang malaman kung may karagdagang kaso na isasampa laban sa kanyang kasintahan (We are just waiting for the conduct of autopsy and the autopsy report if there would be additonal charges that would be filed)," said Eleazar.
Initially, the parents of Jonson wanted the National Bureau of Investigation to handle the case but they later changed their mind and allowed the local police to do so, including the conduct of autopsy. The parents went to the country after learning of the incident but are currently under mandatory quarantine.
“This is but another proof that your PNP applies the law without fear or favor. Mayaman man o mahirap, patas ang pagpapatupad natin ng batas dahil hindi lang dangal ng PNP ang nakataya dito kung hindi ang pagtitiwala ng sambayanang Pilipino (Rich or poor, we implement the law fairly because it is not only the honor of the PNP that is at stake here but also in the trust and confidence of the people) on the basic but important concept of rule of law,” said Eleazar.
He also assured the public that he would personally monitor the progress of the case.
Eleazar said he had already tasked all the concerned units to coordinate to ensure the availability of Ongpin as the investigation is still on-going on the death of Jonson.
He also lauded the local PNP personnel for their quick action and response on the case.